Off Broadway

Cantor Michael Smolash switches from the performing stage to the Temple Israel bimah.

SHELLI LIEBMAN DORFMAN
Staff Writer

I

n the last six months, Cantor Michael
Smolash has changed his title, his country of
residence, his marital status — and will soon
will take on the designation of dad.
Arriving as Temple Israel's new cantor in July,
he was certified as a cantor last summer, following
18 years working in musical theater, television
and film.
For the last six years, Cantor Smolash was
chazzan shenini (the second cantor) at Holy
Blossom Temple in Toronto. He spent half of that
time earning certification as a cantor through the
American Conference of Cantors' Cantorial
Certification Program, a self-study program co-
administered with Hebrew Union College-Jewish
Institute of Religion in New York.
"It is for professionals already working in the
field who have proven they can contribute to
Jewish worship and music, who want to become
certified cantors," he said of the five-year program
he completed in three.
And as if that weren't enough to keep him
busy, he spent part of the summer preparing for
his Sept. 6 wedding to Dr. Jen Green, a naturo-
pathic doctor at Henry Ford Center for
Complementary & Integrative Medicine in
Northville.
The two are expecting a baby in June.
Growing up in Montreal, Cantor Smolash
graduated from Concordia University in Montreal
with a bachelor of fine arts degree, specializing in
vocal performance. He also participated in the
Young Professional program at the Charlottetown
Festival for two summers.
"Since then, I have had continuous training in
voice, dance and acting in private studios," he
said.
Before coming to Temple Israel, Cantor

Seniors Host Luncheon

Area seniors are invited to join the
Adat Shalom seniors —
CHaZaKaH/Young-at-Heart — at
12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, for a
catered luncheon and a program and
celebration of the group's 15th
anniversary.
The afternoon will be highlighted
by the luncheon, a program featur-
ing Adat Shalom's new clergy,

12/10

2004

66

cantorial certification through the
same program as Cantor Smolash
— said he has learned much from
the new cantor.
And, said Michaels, who is
from Toronto, "The two of us are
continuing a tradition of
Canadian clergy, begun with (the
late Temple Israel) Rabbi [M.
Robert] Syme."
Rabbi Syme was from
Winnipeg.
Now that he's settling in at
Temple Israel, Cantor Smolash
Staying The Course
sees his role as "using the music of
Cantor Michael Smolash
Maintaining that the cantorate
our various Jewish traditions to
and acting don't mix, Cantor
interpret our liturgy as I lead my
Smolash said that "holding a pulpit position
congregation in prayer. Beyond that, it is just like
means being entirely engrossed and responsive to
having a big family around," he said. "You love
your congregation. It isn't possible to take five
your family so you want them to enjoy anything
weeks off for a short theater run or to be available
that happens: holidays, programming, lifecycle
any time of the day for a TV shoot."
events, teen trips, Sunday school. You learn what
He will, however, keep on with his concert
they need from you and you naturally respond
career, having always participated in Jewish con-
with your whole heart."
certs, including those where he was a featured
Colleague Rabbi Paul Yedwab said, "Whether
soloist.
it is singing Kol Nidre or working with teenagers,
"I will continue both for gala Jewish communi- playing the guitar or directing a choir, he brings
ty events and my own concerts of music from the
his special brand of warmth, talent, intelligence
Yiddish theater," he said. "As well, we have a
and scholarship to bear. I love listening to him.
phenomenal concert series here at Temple, so I
And when you add his gorgeous tenor to the
get to wear a producer hat and a performer hat
incredible baritone of Neil Michaels — well, let's
for some of the finest musical programming any-
just
say that we at Temple Israel are exceedingly
”
where.
blessed."
Cantor Smolash's move to Temple Israel fol-
Reflecting on his first months at Temple Israel,
lowed the departure of Cantor Lori Corrsin after
Cantor Smolash said, "I never imagined you
five years for a post at Temple Emanu-El in New
could have so much fun at a synagogue. Everyone
York.
loves it here, and the feeling is infectious."
In his new position, the cantor works closely
Although the cantor came to the Detroit area
with cantorial soloist Neil Michaels. "He is a
with no connections or family here, he said: "It
wonderful asset to Temple Israel," Michaels said.
sure feels like I did." Li
In addition to their work together at Temple
Israel, Michaels — whose future goals include

Smolash's most exciting role may
have been that of understudy for
Leo Bloom, a lead part in the
Toronto cast of The Producers
during its full run from late 2003
until this past June.
It was extraordinary — play-
ing in the biggest show in
Canada, meeting Mel Brooks,
working with the top musical the-
ater creative team in the world,"
he said.

Cantor Yevsey Gutman and Rabbi
Rachel Shere, and a candle lighting
ceremony with cake for all.
Cantor Gutman and Rabbi Shere
will talk about the personal journeys
that led them to Adat Shalom and
will offer musical entertainment to
accompany the festivities.
There is a $10 charge for mem-
bers of CHaZaKaH/Young-at-Heart
and an $11 fee for non-members.
Checks should be mailed by Dec. 16

to Alice Cohen, 29325 Lancaster
Drive, #210, Southfield, MI 48034.
For information, call the synagogue
office, (248) 851-5100.

Chanukah In Commerce

Commerce's Chanukah celebration
will begin as a nine-foot menorah is
erected at the Chabad Jewish Center
of Commerce.
A special celebration will be held

at the menorah, 4718 Half Penny
Ct., on Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2:30
p.m.
Chabad of Commerce is a non-
profit organization dedicated to
Jewish worship and study, and to
fostering an appreciation of Jewish
cultural heritage.
For information, call Estie
Greenberg, (248) 363-3644.

